Blue Heron Bridge Trolls III

[Pipehorse]

Went to the bridge today for scuba diving. Arrived at 0939 for an 1100 high tide. It was not crowded, though given the cooler air temp there were more people than I expected. Entered the water on the west side @ 1010. Sea temp remains at 78F (though it seems colder to me), and visibility was still 30ft feet. Did a REEF fish count, 60 species in 60 minutes. Observed at least four individual Spotted Eagle Rays. Have also been observing Shortfin Pipefish on every dive. Generally they are indistinct brownish red, but occasionally come in different colors and patterns. Respectively, Shortfin Pipefish, Spotted Eagle Ray, Wide angle of grunts and snappers, and Spotted Eagle Ray Video.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Another clear difference between juvenile French and Grey/Black Angelfish is the swimming pattern. French Angel juveniles swim with a sinuous weaving pattern, much like a Clownfish, while Grey Angels swim more quickly, darting like a butterfly fish.

Interesting! Will look for those swimming patterns next time out..
Learn sumptin' new e'ry day!

 

[mike41799]

Great December conditions!

 

[Jaan]

Kicking off early .. and going to hit the bridge today. Maybe see some of you there today. May be busy but can't resist!

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

I might be headed there tomorrow..

 

[Jaan]

Well, it was like a weekend in the parking lot with everyone circling like vultures looking for a spot. We got lucky (90 minutes before high tide) and pulled in as some day time beach goers were leaving. Cool.

A little crowded in the water but the BHB did not disappoint. Pike blennies, bat fish, sea robin, lots of juvenile cowfish and file fish .. wow. Even a huge jawfish (6 or 7"), first time I saw him. Spot fin Jawfish I believe (last pic).

The BHB is such a magical place. We were trying to take a picture of a couple of garden eels and got surprised by an octopus who was being chased by a flounder. As we watched, our gaze went over to a seahorse ... and then another one. Amazing.

Not too bad for our last dive of 2021. Happy New Year Everyone.

 

[scubadada]

Hi @Jaan

What's the name of the crab in photo #8? I've seen them many times in Bonaire

 

[Pipehorse]

Hi @Jaan

What's the name of the crab in photo #8? I've seen them many times in Bonaire

Flameback Box Crab

 

[Jaan]

Flameback Box Crab

Yes. Curious creatures often bury themselves in the sand. This one gave us a nice show and was dancing around.
Video is a bit long, not sure how to best share it perhaps this will work if interested to see.

iCloud Photos - Apple iCloud

View, organize, and share photos and videos with iCloud Photos on the web. Changes will sync across your devices with iCloud.

share.icloud.com

 

[Catito]

Went to the bridge today for scuba diving. Arrived at 0939 for an 1100 high tide. It was not crowded, though given the cooler air temp there were more people than I expected. Entered the water on the west side @ 1010. Sea temp remains at 78F (though it seems colder to me), and visibility was still 30ft feet. Did a REEF fish count, 60 species in 60 minutes. Observed at least four individual Spotted Eagle Rays. Have also been observing Shortfin Pipefish on every dive. Generally they are indistinct brownish red, but occasionally come in different colors and patterns. Respectively, Shortfin Pipefish, Spotted Eagle Ray, Wide angle of grunts and snappers, and Spotted Eagle Ray Video.

View attachment 696955View attachment 696956View attachment 696957

Thanks! Love the pipefish. Finally saw one. Animals are coming back now that it is illegal to capture and remove them.